May 27
BLOOMER DAY
Amelia Jenks Bloomer was born on this day in 1818. Amelia was a women’s rights advocate (you didn’t know the folks back in the mid 1800s even knew about women’s rights, did you?). She was also a social reformer; and yes, bloomer panties were named after her.
You see, she worked for more sensible dress for women ... and recommended what was called the Bloomer Costume in 1849. Actually Elizabeth Smith Miller introduced the costume but ‘bloomers’ sounded more interesting than ‘millers’.
Today, those ruffled little pants aren’t worn much by adult women but they often cover baby bottoms. Babies don’t seem to mind wearing those sensible bloomers.
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
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